Pine Country Cowboy. Glynna Kaye

him, then glanced at Abby. “I already ate the smiley-face toast and oatmeal. Do I have to eat the banana, too, Aunt Abby?”

      She glanced up at the clock, a crease forming across her brow. “No, that’s okay. I didn’t know you didn’t care for bananas. You need to let me know what you like and don’t like so I don’t fix things you won’t eat.”

      If he’d had any doubts before, that nailed it. Leaving a door open like that labeled her an amateur when it came to kid dealings. He could almost see Davy’s mind whirling. Likes: ice cream, hot dogs, pizza, French fries. Dislikes: spinach, green beans, peas—and bananas.

      The boy pushed the banana plate closer to Brett. “My mom is going to have a baby.”

      “So I heard.”

      “I think everybody’s having babies, like at church and the grocery store and stuff. You can tell because the moms get big, big, big.” That matter-of-fact wisdom shared, Davy drank down the remainder of his milk before setting the glass onto the table with a clunk. “I’ll be right back, Brett. I have to brush my teeth. It’s a school day.”

      The boy scrambled to his feet, then dashed out of the kitchen and up the stairs.

      With a grin, Brett reached for the leggy banana. “Observant kid. I have to admit it does seem like every other woman in town is in a family way. A Canyon Springs population explosion.”

      Unfortunately, for the past few days every time he saw one of those moms-to-be, he couldn’t help but be reminded of the nine months he and Melynda had eagerly awaited the arrival of their precious Jeremy.

      Abby glanced at him uncertainly. “You don’t have to eat the banana if you don’t want to.”

      He studied it for a moment, the beady, unblinking eyes almost appearing to look back at him. “I think I’ll give it a try. I’ve never eaten anything quite like this. Special occasion?”

      She shrugged, looking a tad sheepish. “I was trying to start Davy’s day on a bright note. He misses his mom, and Joe didn’t get to stay long yesterday.”

      “I’d heard Meg’s return was delayed, that she’d probably be released this afternoon.”

      Surprise lit Abby’s eyes. No doubt she didn’t yet recognize the effectiveness of the Canyon Springs grapevine.

      “That’s what we’re hoping,” she said almost cautiously. “Her doctors want to keep an eye on her awhile longer.”

      “Whatever it takes to ensure a safe delivery.” He pulled the toothpick legs from the banana and placed them on the edge of the plate, then motioned toward a chair at the table. “Have a seat, Aunt Abby.”